Pakistani citizens traveling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) must now obtain a police verification report, announced Muhammad Tayyab, Director General of the Bureau of Immigration, on Monday.
The directive, applicable to all travel cases, mandates that no individual can travel to the UAE without proper clearance. Tayyab informed the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis that all travel agents facilitating UAE-bound trips have been instructed to comply with this new requirement.
During the meeting, Tayyab noted that the UAE had previously imposed certain restrictions on Pakistani nationals, an issue raised by Senator Shahadat Awan. The senator sought clarification on whether these restrictions had been lifted, urging authorities to provide official confirmation.
Addressing employment-related concerns, Secretary of Overseas Pakistanis Arshad Mahmood explained that while delays persist for unskilled workers, skilled laborers continue to secure UAE visas. “We are in active discussions with UAE authorities to resolve these challenges,” he said.
Mahmood highlighted efforts to boost the employment quota for Pakistanis in the UAE, which has increased from 1.6 million to 1.8 million. “This year alone, 65,000 Pakistanis have traveled to the UAE,” he added.
While dismissing claims of a complete ban on Pakistani nationals, Mahmood acknowledged a decline in demand for unskilled labor. He emphasized the need to upskill the workforce to align with the UAE’s labor market requirements and international standards.
Senator Zeeshan Khanzada expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of clarity regarding visa restrictions and urged improved coordination to identify sectors with job opportunities. “We must know which industries are hiring and where our workers are employed,” he stated.
Senator Nasir Butt criticized the challenges faced by Pakistani nationals in obtaining visit visas, calling the situation “embarrassing.” Mahmood clarified that visit visa matters fall under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while his ministry focuses on employment-related issues.
Mahmood projected that 700,000 Pakistanis would have traveled abroad by the end of this year. He stressed the importance of enhanced training programs, noting that skilled workers have better employment prospects in the UAE.
Visa Policy
The requirement for police verification comes amid speculation and rumors about a potential visa ban on Pakistani nationals. Last month, UAE Consul General Dr. Bakheet Ateeq Al Remeithi dismissed these rumors, affirming that individuals could apply directly through UAE visa centers.
Speaking earlier in August on Geo News, the envoy linked visa approvals to applicants’ social media activities. He emphasized that the UAE monitors digital footprints and advised people to exercise caution online, as inappropriate activity could result in visa rejections or bans.
The envoy also underscored the UAE’s strict regulations against disruptive behavior, stating that blocking roads or spreading misinformation is not tolerated under the country’s laws.
